Racine Zoo Education Programs

Racine Zoo Education Programs offers Animal Programs for all ages, with activities tailored to the ages of participants, and Scout Programs with 2.5 hours of hands-on learning. It also includes daily animal chats such as Zebra Chat, Cat Chat, Penguin Chat, Wildlife Theater, and Primate Chat, plus Creature Feature and the Benstead Discovery Center.

Programs

• Animal Programs — All ages; programs are tailored to fit the ages of participants · $10–$225
• Scout Programs — Scouts · $18 per session · 2.5 hours of hands on learning. $18.00 per scout, minimum $180.00. First adult is free. Additional chaperones are $8.00 per person. Maximum 25 people.
• Zebra Chat — 11:30 AM · At zebra exhibit. Learn from Zoo staff what it takes to care for Hartmann's mountain zebras.
• Cat Chat — 12:00 PM · At Cat Canyon. Learn more about the Zoo's cats.
• Creature Feature — 12:30 PM; 3:30 PM · Near Vanishing Kingdom. Meet one of the animal ambassadors up close.
• Penguin Chat — 1:30 PM · At the penguin exhibit. Learn more about African penguins.
• Wildlife Theater — 2:00 PM · Live animal ambassador educational programs. Themed programs include Desert Dwellers and Scales and Tails.
• Primate Chat — 2:30 PM · Near primate exhibits at Vanishing Kingdom. Learn about some of the most intelligent animals in the Zoo.
• Benstead Discovery Center — Weekends only and daily during specified seasonal periods; 10:30 AM to 30 min. before close · Near the Zoo entrance across from the Zootique Gift Shop. Visit with and learn about reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Also includes an aquarium and the bat exhibit.
• Barnyard Safari — Weekends only and daily during specified seasonal periods · Kids and adults can visit the immersive Barnyard Safari to meet and learn more about domestic species from around the world.
• PlayZoo Playground — 2-5 and 5-12 years old · Two play areas designed specifically for 2 to 5-year-olds and 5 to 12-year-olds. Features a two-story tall structure with three slides, climbing opportunities, and a miniature zip line.
• Zoo Choo Express — 2 years and younger ride free with a paid adult · Weekends and holidays only; daily during specified seasonal periods · $3 per session · Tickets are $3 per rider. Not operating during inclement weather. Not operating Sunday, August 16, 2026 due to Car, Truck & Bike Show.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Price range: $3–$225

Last updated November 6, 2026.